Message service support method and portable device using the same

ABSTRACT

Provided is a message service providing method and portable device supporting the same, which includes generating at least one of a key input signal and a sliding sensor signal; and writing a message by activating a message write window set according to an environment of an application program which is being activated depending on generation of at least one of the key input signal and the sliding sensor signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/685,052 filed on Jan. 11, 2010 which claims the benefit of theearlier filing date, pursuant to 35 USC 119, of that patent applicationentitled “MESSAGE SERVICE SUPPORT METHOD AND PORTABLE DEVICE USING THESAME” filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jan. 12, 2009and assigned Serial No. 10-2009-0002392, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a message servicing, and moreparticularly, to a method and a portable device supporting the same,which is capable of supporting message service and adjusting a messagewrite window according to the application program which is beingactivated.

Description of the Related Art

Portable devices are widely used in everyday applications based on theirsmall size and portability. Such a conventional portable device can havea MP3 function, corresponding to a file playing function, or can have adigital camera function, corresponding to and image collection function.Moreover, the conventional portable device, may support one or morefunctions that can perform a mobile game or an arcade game or the like.Among the functions of the conventional portable device, the messageservice function is one of the most general and widely used services.

The message service function is a function for writing a message byinputting a character (alphanumeric, symbol, numeric, etc.) by makinguse of a keypad included within in the portable device (or vocalinputs), and transmitting the written message to other portable devices.

However, the conventional message service function is inconvenient inthe usage of the service although it is frequently used. That is, whenuser uses the message service function, the user must perform theprocess of selecting the message service function from a menu,activating the message write window, writing a message in the activatedmessage write window, and then, transmitting the written message to oneor more portable devices. As would be appreciated, the process describedabove must be repetitively performed whenever a new message is to betransmitted when the message service is used.

Accordingly, it is difficult to provide the portable device user with afast message service while reducing the inconvenience due to the processreiteration.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method ofproviding a message service includes: generating at least one of aninput signal and a sliding sensor signal; and writing a message byactivating a message write window set according to an environment of anapplication program which is being activated depending on generation ofat least one of the input signal and the sliding sensor signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a portabledevice that provides a message service function includes: an input unitwhich includes at least one of a keypad that generates a key inputsignal, and a key map that generates a key input signal according to atouch event; a controller which controls an output of a message writewindow that is set according to an environment of an application programactivated according to a generation of the key input signal; a storageunit which stores the application program and the key map; and a displayunit which outputs the message write window.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a portabledevice that provides a message service function includes: a slide sensorwhich detects a sliding sensor signal according to sliding operation; acontroller which controls an output of a message write window setaccording to an environment of application program that is beingactivated depending on a generation of the sliding sensor signal; astorage unit which stores the application program and a key map; and adisplay unit that outputs the message write window.

According to the message service providing method and a portable devicesupporting the same, various message service functions can be used morerapidly and conveniently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above features and advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aportable device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is illustrates a detailed configuration of the controller of FIG.1;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a slide type portable device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an interface of a bar type portabledevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a message service providing methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a ninth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating anadditional function of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to an eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a twelfth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a thirteenth embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a screen for illustrating a messageservice function according to a fourteenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbersare used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structuresincorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matterof the present invention.

The meaning of terms is clarified in this disclosure, so the claimsshould be read with careful attention to these clarifications. Specificexamples are given, but those of skill in the relevant art willunderstand that other examples may also fall within the meaning of theterms used, and within the scope of one or more claims. Terms do notnecessarily have the same meaning here that they have in general usage,in the usage of a particular industry, or in a particular dictionary orset of dictionaries. In the event of an irresolvable conflict between aterm's meaning as used expressly herein and the term's meaning as usedin an incorporated document, the express meaning herein governs.Although this disclosure and the associated drawings fully detailseveral alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention,further alternate embodiments can be implemented without departing fromthe scope of this invention. Consequently, it is to be understood thatthe following disclosure is provided for exemplary purposes only and isnot intended as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, allalternate embodiments which are obvious modifications of this disclosureare intended to be encompassed within the scope of the presentinvention.

Hereinafter, a keypad or a key map is illustrated as a QWERTY keypad ora QWERTY key map, but the present invention is not limited to this. Thatis, not only the QWERTY keypad and the QWERTY key map, but also otherkeypad and key map, for example, the 3*4 keypad or key map, 4*3 keypador key map are applicable to the present invention, and other types ofkeypad or key map also can be applicable.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aportable device 100 according to the present invention;

Referring to FIG. 1, the portable device 100 of the present inventionincludes a wireless frequency unit 110, an input unit 120, an audioprocessing unit 130, a slide sensor 140, a display unit 150, a storageunit 170, a camera 180, and a controller 160. Here, it is illustratedthat the portable device 100 is equipped with a slide sensor 140, butthe present invention is not limited solely to this type of device. Thatis, in case the portable device 100 is configured of a bar type, theslide sensor 140 can be omitted, and, the input unit 120 can be replacedwith a touch sensor disposed in the front side of the display unit 150.

In case the input unit 120 is replaced with the touch sensor, theportable device 100 can store the QWERTY key map and output a display ofthe QWERTY key map to the display unit 150 according to a specificoperation so that it can generate an input signal corresponding to theQWERTY key input, which is then sent to the controller 160. Moreover,even in case the portable device 100 is configured of a slide type andhas a form that the input unit 120 which has the QWERTY keypad=isexposed, it can prepared a touch sensor in the display unit 150, and canuse the display unit 150 as an input unit function by outputting thepertinent QWERTY key map to the display unit 150 according to a user'srequest.

When a key input is generated from the QWERTY keypad prepared in theinput unit 120, or when a sliding sensor signal according to the slidingoperation of the portable device 100 is generated, the portable device100 sends the key input or the corresponding generated signal to thecontroller 160. The controller 160 supports the message application(message.APP) for supporting the message service function to operate inconnection with an application which is being performed, with referenceto a function table 171 which is stored in the storage unit 170.Accordingly, the portable device 100 user can directly use the messageservice function among various function application of the portabledevice 100, and can easily edit messages and use the message servicefunction in connection with various functions. Each configuration of theportable device will be illustrated in detail.

The wireless frequency unit 110 performs the formation of at least oneof providing a communication channel for voice communications and forthe transmission of data such as an image under the control of thecontroller 160. That is, the wireless frequency unit 110 forms the voicecommunication channel or, the data communication channel and the videocommunication channel between mobile communications systems.

To this end, the wireless frequency unit 110 can include a wirelessfrequency transmitter (not shown) which up-converts and amplifies afrequency of a signal to be transmitted, and a wireless frequencyreception unit (not shown) which low-noise amplifies a received signaland down-converts the frequency of the received signal to extract thedata content. Particularly, the wireless frequency unit 110 can form adata transmission channel for the support of a message service function.Such a data transmission channel may be temporarily formed so as totransmit the written message service to the mobile communicationssystems at the time of transmission and can be canceled when the messageis transmitted is completed. The message transmitted through the datatransmission channel can be a short message, a multimedia message, aninstant massage, an E-mail or other similar messages.

The input unit 120 includes a plurality of input keys and function keysfor receiving number or character information and setting variousfunctions. The function keys can include a direction key, a side key,and a shortcut key which are set to perform a specific function.Moreover, the input unit 120 generates a key signal related to theuser's settings and the function control of the portable device 100 andsends signals associated with the input values to the controller 160.

Particularly, the input unit 120 of the present invention is implementedby a QWERTY keypad, a 3*4 keypad, a 4*3 keypad including a plurality ofkeys. This input unit 120 can generate an input signal for selecting atleast one among various applications stored in the storage unit 170, aninput signal for writing a message in the message service function, andan input signal for transmitting a message. The audio processing unit130 includes a speaker (SPK) for playing audio data transmitted andreceived in the call and a microphone (MIC) for collecting the voice orother audio signal of user in the call. Particularly, the audioprocessing unit 130 of the present invention can output an operationsound according to the state of the portable device 100. Moreover, theaudio processing unit 130 can output a sound which informs a user of theactivation of message service functional which is performed according tothe operational state of the portable device.

The slide sensor 140 is arranged between a first assembly and a secondassembly of the portable device 100 and detects a signal according tothe sliding operation. Such a slide sensor 140 can be arranged betweenthe first assembly and the second assembly with a mechanical structurehaving a switch type. Various sensors capable of sensing the slidingoperation of the first assembly and the second assembly will beapplicable to the slide sensor 140 (see FIG. 2).

That is, in case the first assembly slides from the front side of thesecond assembly, the slide sensor 140 senses the sliding open state asthe is turned on. On the other hand, in a structure where the rear sideof the first assembly faces the front side of the second assembly, theswitch is turned off and can sense the sliding engagement state.Moreover, the slide sensor 140 is arranged in one side of the front sideof the second assembly by an optical sensor and can detect the slidingoperation based on the reception of the light received in a lightreception unit according to the sliding operation of the first assembly.In other words, various sensors capable of sensing the sliding operationof the first assembly and the second assembly will be applicable to theslide sensor 140.

The display unit 150 displays the information which a user inputs or theinformation provided to a user as well as various menus of the portabledevice 100. That is, the display unit 150 can provide various screensaccording to the usage of portable device 100, for example, the stand-byscreen, the menu screen, the message writing screen, and the callscreen. Particularly, when displaying a screen according to theactivation of a specific application, if a QWERTY key input is generatedfrom the QWERTY keypad of the input unit 120, or if a sliding sensorsignal according to the sliding operation of the portable device 100 isgenerated, the display unit 150 of the present invention can output ascreen according to the activation of message service functional. Atthis time, the display unit 150 can support an environment for a messageservice function under the control of the controller 160, and cansupport other environments according to the application which is beingactivated.

In the meantime, the display unit 150 can be implemented by a liquidcrystal display (LCD), and, in case the LCD is configured in the form ofa touch screen, the display unit 150 can be included in the input means.To this end, the display unit 150 can prepare a display panel and atouch sensor arranged on the display panel. The portable device 100 canprovide various menu screens which can be executed based on the touchscreen as the display unit 150 supports a touch screen.

In case the display unit 150 is implemented by the touch screen, theportable device 100 can store a QWERTY key map, and can control thegeneration of an input signal for the activation of the QWERTY key mapand to activate a message write window depending on the sliding sensorsignal according to the sliding operation. The display unit 150 canoutput a touchable icon to a certain area so as to generate an inputsignal for the activation of the QWERTY key map. Moreover, the portabledevice 100 can control to the output of the QWERTY key map to thedisplay unit 150 if a sensor signal is detected from the slide sensor140.

The storage unit 170 can store an application for the operation of theslide sensor, an application for playing various stored files, and a keymap or menu map for the operation of touch screen, as well as one ormore applications for the operation of a corresponding functionsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, thekey map and the menu map can have various types. That is, the key mapcan be a keyboard map, a 3*4 key map, or a QWERTY key map, and can be acontrol key map for the operational control of the application beingactivated. Moreover, the menu map can be a menu map for the operationcontrol of the application being activated, and can be a menu map, whichhas various menus that the portable device provides as an item. Such astorage unit 170 can include a program area and a data area.

The program area can store an operating system (OS) for the booting ofthe portable device 100 and the operation of each configuration of theportable device 100 and an application for playing various file, forexample, an application for the support of a call function, a webbrowser application for accessing to internet server, an MP3 applicationfor playing various media materials, an image output application fordisplaying photo, and a moving picture playing application, for example.In addition, the program area of the present invention can store anapplication for the operation of the slide sensor 140, an applicationfor using a touch sensor included in the touch screen, a messageapplication 173 for the support of message service function, and acamera application (camera.App) 175 for the operation of camera.

The message application (message.App) supports different environmentsaccording to the application being activated under the control of thecontroller 160. The screen according to the activation of a messageapplication (message.App) is illustrated in detail with reference todrawings (FIG. 6 to FIG. 20). The data area is an area in which datagenerated according to the use of portable device 100 is stored, andvarious contents can be stored. Moreover, in case the display unit 150is implemented by a touch screen, the data area can store a user inputinputted through the touch screen. Particularly, the data area of thepresent invention stores a function table. The function table is a tablethat defines the operational control of a message application(message.App) of the portable device 100 according to the QWERTY keyinput, which is generated by the QWERTY keypad or the QWERTY key map orthe generation of a sliding sensor signal according to the slidingoperation of the portable device 100.

For example, the function table includes commands that control theactivation of the message application if a QWERTY key input is generatedfrom the QWERTY keypad contained in the input unit 120 or the QWERTY keymap which can be shown in the display unit 150, or if a sliding sensorsignal according to the sliding operation of the portable device 100 isgenerated. At this time, the function table can include commands thatcontrol the output of a message service support window having differentenvironments according to the kind of application being performed. Theapplication activation or control based on such a function table isillustrated in detail with the description of message application(message.App).

The camera 180 collects an image corresponding to a subject under thecontrol of a user. Such a camera 180 includes a camera sensor that takesa picture of an image photographed through a lens, and converts aphotographed optical signal into an electric signal, and a signalprocessing unit which converts an analog image signal photographed fromthe camera sensor into digital data. Here, a charge coupled device (CCD)sensor can be applied to the camera sensor, and the signal processingunit can be implemented by the digital signal processor (DSP), but it isnot limitative. The camera 180 can send the collected image to thedisplay unit 150 with a preview type.

The controller 160 controls the electric power supply to eachconfiguration of the portable device 100 and supports to perform aninitialization process, and can control the flow of each signal so thatthe message service function of the present invention may be supportedto each configuration such as the wireless frequency unit 110, the inputunit 120, the audio processing unit 130, the slide sensor 140, thedisplay unit 150, the storage unit 170, the camera 180, and thecontroller 160 when the initialization process is completed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the controller 160 including a sensor detection unit161, a message service support unit 163, a message writing unit 165, anda message processing unit 167. The sensor detection unit 161 monitorsthe slide sensor 140 and detects a sensor signal generated by theoperation of the portable device 100. And, the sensor detection unit 161transmits the detected sensor signal to the message service support unit163.

The message service support unit 163 controls the reading of a pertinentmessage application (message.App) from the storage unit and activates,when a QWERTY key input is generated from the QWERTY keypad contained inthe input unit 120 or the QWERTY key map shown on the touch screen, orwhen receiving a sliding sensor signal according to the slidingoperation from the sensor detection unit 161. In this process, themessage service support unit 163 checks the application being performed,and can control the message service function according to the activationof the message application (message.App) and adjusted to the applicationbeing performed.

For example, if a camera application is being activated, and it isdetermined that a QWERTY key input is generated or a sliding sensorsignal according to the sliding operation of the portable device isgenerated, the message service support unit 163 can control the sizingof a message write window based on an image collected by the camera whenthe message application (message.App) is activated.

Further, if the photograph search function is activated, and a QWERTYkey input signal or a sliding sensor signal is received, the messageservice support unit 163 can generate a message write window based on aphotograph which is being searched. That is, the message service supportunit 163 controls the opening of a multimedia message write window thatincludes a photograph which is being searched as an attachment file, orcan control the opening of a message write window that can input text onthe photograph which is being searched.

In the meantime, if the message service support unit 163 receives asensor signal that indicates that the operation state of the portabledevice 100 is a slide open state from the sensor detection unit 161, thecontroller 160 can control the output of the QWERTY key map to thedisplay unit 150, or control the opening of a message write window whena QWERTY key input signal is generated from the QWERTY key map. And, ifthe message service support unit 163 receives a sensor signal accordingto the slide engagement state, the controller 160 can terminate themessage application being activated, depending upon a terminationsignal.

That is, the message service support unit 163 determines the activationof the message application in case a specific character is inputted to,or a message is written, in the message write window which is currentlyexecuted, and can control the termination a message application andremove the message write window in case an additional input is notperformed.

The message writing unit 165 writes a message based on a message writewindow activated by the message service support unit 163, a user inputsignal selecting the contents stored in the storage unit, the characteror number input signal sent from the input unit 120. And the messagewriting unit 165 can send the written message to the message processingunit 167. Moreover, the message writing unit 165 can open an inputwindow for inputting a telephone number, for example, of other portabledevices according to user's request. The message processing unit 167controls the transmission of the message sent from the message writingunit 165 to other portable devices through a wireless frequency unit(110). Moreover, the message processing unit 167 can process a messagereceived from message service center of mobile communications system andcan control the output of the message to the display unit 150 or tostore the message in the storage unit 170.

FIG. 3A is a drawing schematically illustrating a shape of a portabledevice of slide type supporting the message service function accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Referring to FIG. 3, the portable device 100 of the present inventionhas a structure where it is opened and combined as a slide type, whilean input unit is configured of QWERTY keypad or 3*4 keypad. In moredetail, if the portable device 100 includes a first assembly 101 and asecond assembly 103, a structure for sliding the first assembly withrespect to the second assembly may be formed to open the portableterminal 100 as shown in FIG. 3B. In the first assembly 101, a displayunit is formed, and an input unit can be formed in the second assembly103. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3A, the rear side of the firstassembly 101 is arranged to fully face the front side of the secondassembly 103 in the state of sliding combination, so that the portabledevice 100 can have a structure in which only the display unit is shownin appearance. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the state where it is opened withby sliding the second assembly 103 from the first assembly 101, in theportable device 100, for example, in an upper direction so that a QWERTYkeypad which is an input unit contained in the front side of the secondassembly 103 is exposed.

At this time, the terminal has a structure where a certain area isconnected so that the first assembly 101 and the second assembly 103 maynot be separated.

Accordingly, the portable device 100 of the present invention cansemi-automatically perform the sliding operation by a force of pushingthe first assembly 101 to the upward direction or in a lower direction.The portable device 100 can include a sensor which can sense the stateof the terminal according to the sliding operation.

The portable device 100 may send a sensing signal according to thesliding state of the terminal to the controller, so that the controllercan control the device according to the sliding state. For example, thecontroller can cancel a sleep state or provide an image of a QWERTY keymap to the display unit. The portable device can support the performanceof a message service function when activated if a QWERTY key input isgenerated from the QWERTY keypad or the qwerty key map outputted to thedisplay unit.

In the meantime, if the operation that the first assembly 101 and thesecond assembly 103 are changed from the state where the first assembly101 and the second assembly 103 are combined into the state where thefirst assembly 101 and the second assembly 103 are opened (i.e., asliding operation signal is generated), the portable device 100 candetect a corresponding sensor signal, and activate a correspondingmessage write window based on the sensor signal. At this time, theportable device 100 can check the environment of application programbeing activated with reference to the function table stored in thestorage unit, and open a message write window corresponding to thecurrent environment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an interface of a portable device of a bar typesupporting a message service function according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, as shown in screen 301, the portable device of thepresent invention can output an icon that can refer to a virtual QWERTYkey map to an indicator area on the display unit. Accordingly, if aQWERTY key input is necessary, the portable device user may activate aQWERTY key map icon prepared in the indicator area, so that the portabledevice user can use the virtual QWERTY key map. To this end, theportable device can store the QWERTY key map in the storage unit. And incase a user activates the icon, the portable device detects theactivation signal and searches for the QWERTY key map in the storageunit. The QWERTY key map is then output to the display unit while atouch sensor can be initialized so that character inputs may be possiblebased on the QWERTY key map.

In screen 301, in case user generates a touch event with respect to theicon outputted to the indicator area by a shot tap, the portable devicecan output an input window in which a text input is possible with regardto the application being activated, as shown in screen 303. And, inscreen 301, in case user generates a touch event with respect to theicon outputted to the indicator area by a long tap (i.e., for a periodof time greater than a known time period), the portable device cancontrol the output of the display to show a QWERTY key map, as shown inscreen 305. At this time, the portable device temporarily can stop orterminate the application which is previously activated, and to output amessage write window wherein a message can be input through virtualqwerty keypad to the display unit. User can perform a character input bytouching the QWERTY key map. The portable device can present theinputted character to the message write window positioned at the upperportion of the QWERTY key map.

As illustrated in the above, the portable device for the support ofmessage service according to an embodiment of the present inventioncontrols an activation message write window according to the generationof QWERTY key input signal, and can adaptively output an appropriatescreen according to an application being performed, in the activation ofmessage write window. Then, the message service providing methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a message service providing methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, if power is supplied to the portable device (101),the controller performs the booting process of the portable device usingthe provided power, and then controls an initialization process of eachconfiguration such as the initialization of hardware and operationalsoftware. Booting processes are well-known in the art and need not bediscussed in detail herein.

Then, the controller can activate a preset application (103). Forexample, the controller can activate an application for the output ofstand-by screen, for example, or the controller can activate anoperation according to a user input. For example, the controller canactivate an application for the operation of a camera function or anapplication for the search of a photograph according to a user's input.

The controller checks whether a QWERTY key input signal is generated(105). In more detail, in case the portable device is a slide type, inthe structure of slide type where the first assembly and the secondassembly are arranged to face each other (closed position), user canprovide a physical force to slide the first assembly from the secondassembly in a specific direction to open the device. A slide sensorcontained in the portable device may then generate a sensor signalaccording to the openness of the terminal. At this time, the sensordetection unit of the controller can detect the slide openness based ona sensor signal sent from the slide sensor.

The controller can then perform a change of a state of the portabledevice, for example, and can cancel of a sleep state according to thesensor signal. In the portable device, the QWERTY keypad contained inthe input unit is then exposed according to the slide opening, and thecontroller can determine the generation of QWERTY key input signal whena user clicks a specific key of the QWERTY keypad. On the other hand,the controller can output the QWERTY key map to the display unitaccording to the slide opening. In case when a touch event is generatedby the QWERTY key map outputted to the display unit, the controller candetermine the generation of QWERTY key input signal.

In case the portable device is formed with the bar type, the portabledevice can provide touch screen. At this time, the QWERTY key map can beoutputted to the display unit. In this process, in case a separateQWERTY key input signal is not generated, controller can control thereturn to before step 103 and repeatedly execute following procedure.

In the meantime, if the controller detects a QWERTY key input signal(105), the controller activates a message application (message.APP)(107). The controller then outputs a screen for the support of a messageservice corresponding to the application being activated. The screenoutput for the support of message service is described later. Thecontroller can control the performance of the message writing accordingto a signal inputted from the input unit (109).

The input signal can be character, number, or special character inputtedfrom at least one key contained in the QWERTY keypad or a touch eventgenerated on the QWERTY key map and can be an input signal for selectingcontent stored in the storage unit. Accordingly, the controller canoutput a character or number to the message write window of the displayunit according to the input signal. In case the contents is selected,the controller can apply a screen corresponding to the selected contentto the message write window and output it, or to apply an iconindicating the content to the message write window and output it. Andthe controller can the output of an input window which can receive theinput of a telephone number of other portable device to which a messageis to be transmitted or can receive the input of the name linked to thetelephone number according to the user's input. When the message writingis completed (109), the controller activates the wireless frequency unit(see FIG. 1) so as to transmit the message written at step 111.

As illustrated in the above, the message service providing methodaccording to an embodiment of the present invention activates themessage service function according to the generation of a QWERTY keyinput signal, and, outputs the message write window to be adjusted tothe environment of application program which is being activated.

In the description of FIG. 5 it was illustrated that the message writewindow is opened based on the generation of QWERTY key input signal.But, similar with the above method, the present invention can operatethe opening of message write window according to the sliding stateinstead of the QWERTY key input signal. That is, if the slidingoperation of the portable device is initiated, the portable device candetect a corresponding sensor signal. In case the sensor signal isgenerated, the portable device can begin the operation shown in FIG. 5at block 107. That is, the process may activate a designated application(e.g., message.app) at step 107.

The present invention will be illustrated in detail with reference to anexample of screen for the support of various message services accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As referred tolater, the generation of a QWERTY key input signal will be mainlyillustrated among the generation of the QWERTY key input signal and thesensor signal according to the sliding operation.

That is, in the description, it is illustrated that the message writewindow is opened according to the generation of QWERTY key input signal.However, in the present invention, the message write window can beopened in the generation of sliding sensor signal according to thesliding operation of the terminal. In other words, the message writewindow can be opened according to the generation of at least one A keyinput signal and the sliding sensor signal.

FIG. 6 is an example of screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, according to user's input, the display unit of theportable device can output a specific photograph according to Aphotograph search as shown in screen 201. To this end, the portabledevice can output a menu screen for the photograph search. And in case auser activates the photograph search menu, the portable device canactivate a corresponding photograph search application and can output aspecific photographs stored in the storage unit with a multi-viewscreen. Then, the portable device can output a specific photographselected by user with a full screen of the display unit. Then, in caseuser generates a QWERTY key input signal, the controller activates amessage service application. As shown in screen 202, the controlleroutputs a message write window according to the activation of messageapplication to be adjusted to the application being activated, (i.e.,the photograph search application. That is, the message write window canbe generated in a area of the lower portion of the display unit.According to a character key input signal inputted from the input unit,the controller can output the message “This is my picture” to themessage write window.

When a specific photograph is outputted to a full screen of the displayunit, the controller can c output, besides the message write window, ashort key for transmitting a message to other portable devices, forexample, “Send Msg” key and “Insert Text” corresponding to the textinput short key, to the lower portion of the display unit. The short keyoutputted in this form can be activated by a touch event which isgenerated according to a touch of the user.

In case a touch event is generated in an “Insert Text” area, thecontroller can apply a sentence written in the message write window to acertain area of photograph screen 203. The written sentence can beselected according to, for example, a touch event, a drag event so thatthe sentence can be moved. The photograph including a sentence writtenlike this can be applied as a multimedia message.

In case a touch event is generated in the “Send Msg” area, thecontroller can output an icon corresponding to the photograph outputtedto the display unit to a certain area as shown in screen 204, and canoutput message write window which contains the sentence inputted to themessage write window. Accordingly, the portable device user canadditionally write text. If the message writing is completed in screen203 and screen 204, as the controller controls the screen to allow forinputting the telephone number of other portable device, and can sendthe message based on the inputted telephone number.

In the meantime, in screen 202, the controller can output a short keythat operates a timer for the transmission of messages or can cancel thetransmission of separate messages. Accordingly, in case a user selects amessage transmission cancel menu, or does not perform a separateoperation before the timer is completed, the controller can support anedit function that applies the inputted sentence to the illustratedphotograph.

FIG. 7 is an example of screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the portable device display unit of the presentinvention can output a main menu to the display unit so that user mayselect a basic function of portable device as shown in screen 205. Then,in case a QWERTY key input signal is generated, the controller canoutput a mini text writing window for outputting a QWERTY key inputsignal inputted as shown in screen 206 and a character which is may beinputted. In the meantime, in case additional texts are generated asshown in screen 207 as more text inputs are generated from the QWERTYkeypad, the controller can expand the size of the mini text writingwindow. That is, as shown, in case a character corresponding to “This ismy picture. Doesn't look so fun.” is inputted from the QWERTY keypad,and the display unit cannot display the inputted character with a singleline, the controller can divide the written text into two lines as shownin screen 207. Moreover, if additional text input is generated, thecontroller can display the additional text inputted (i.e., “I hope youlike it”) in a third line as shown in screen 208. In this process, thecontroller can control the output of characters or sentences which areinputted to a most lower portion of the message writing area, whereasthe oldest sentences are progressive displayed to in an upper portion ofthe message writing area.

FIG. 8 is an example of screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the portable device of the present invention canactivate a camera application and can output a corresponding image asshown in screen 211 according to a user's input. Accordingly, theportable device outputs image of a subject inputted through camera tothe center of screen while outputting a menu for controlling the cameraoperation to both sides of the screen. Additionally, in case the cameraperforms photographing to collect still image or moving picture, theportable device can output the still image or the moving picture to thedisplay unit.

The portable device can output a short key for the support of a servicethat can be executed based on a corresponding image. For example, ashort key for selecting a “Send to My Album online” service throughwhich a corresponding image can be uploaded on-line may be displayed.And furthermore, a short key for selecting a “Record Voice” service,which supports recording a sound with a corresponding image may bedisplayed. User can then directly move to a corresponding service byactivating one of the short keys.

In addition, the portable device user may generate a QWERTY key inputsignal by using a QWERTY key pad when the photographed image isoutputted to display unit. The controller may then activate a messageapplication. Accordingly, the controller outputs a message write windowaccording to the activation of message application to be adjusted to anapplication program being activated, (i.e., a camera search applicationprogram). That is, the message write area can be generated in an area ofa center part of the display unit, for example. At this time, thecontroller can control the image photographed by camera to be attachedto a message as an attachment file. The controller can control theoutput of a corresponding icon to one side of the message write windowso as to indicate the attachment of the image. The portable device usercan additionally generate a QWERTY key input signal for inputtingadditional text.

When receiving a character input from the QWERTY key pad, the controllercan output the received character input in the write window. Asdescribed, in case a QWERTY key input signal is generated in the statewhere a camera is activated and an image is photographed, the portabledevice can control the output message write window, which can transmit amessage based on the photographed image.

FIG. 9 is an example of screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the portable device of the present invention canoutput a preset standby screen as shown in screen 221, when power issupplied and booting is completed. The outputted standby screen can bean image or moving picture set by user. When the user generates a QWERTYkey input signal, the controller activates a message application asshown in screen 223. The controller can then search a phonebook based onthe character inputted from QWERTY key pad and present phonebookinformation having an identical character.

The controller can output at least one phone book information includinga corresponding character through a separate pop-up window. For example,phonebook information that has the term “Iris” as a name exists, thecontroller can detect “Iris” that includes the letters “Ir” when theletters “I”, and “R” are inputted from QWERTY key pad. Then, thecontroller can output a pop-up window which can select “Iris”. At thistime, the controller can simultaneously output the term “Green,” whichis registered in phonebook information after the term “Iris” to thepop-up window. In the meantime, in case a touch event or QWERTY keypadinput for selecting the term “Iris” is generated in screen 223, thecontroller can output a message write window for writing a message to betransmitted to “Iris” as shown in screen 225. In the generated messagewrite window, the recipient's name corresponding to “Iris” selected inscreen 223 can be outputted to a separate area. The portable device usercan input a character by using a QWERTY key pad, the controller cancontrol the output of the inputted characters corresponding to theinputted key value to message write window.

FIG. 10 is an example of screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the portable device can output a preset standbyscreen as shown in screen 231, when power is supplied and booting iscompleted. At this time, the outputted standby screen can be an image ormoving picture set by the user, and can be a default screen when apre-set image does not exist. In case user generates a QWERTY key inputsignal in the state where standby screen is outputted, the controlleractivates a message application as shown in screen 233. The controllercan output a message write window according to the activation of messageapplication. The message write window supporting the message service caninclude an index value, such as “New Message,” which indicates newmessage writing, and an area where a telephone number of at least oneother portable device of a person who will receive the message or acorresponding name is written, and an area where a text is inputted fromQWERTY key pad.

To this end, portable device user should perform a pre-work for settingto use message service function in case QWERTY key input signal isgenerated. It is preferable that the controller provides menu orenvironment setting which can designate the characteristic of the kindof application which is to be performed in response to the generation ofQWERTY key input signal so as to support the above setting. In case theportable device supports the menu or environment setting mode, a usercan perform the setting of an application to be performed in response tothe generation of a QWERTY key input signal in a corresponding mode.

In the meantime, when user generates a QWERTY key input signal, in casean application program for the transmission of e-mail is set to beexecuted, the portable device can control the generation of an e-mailwrite window. The e-mail write window can include an index value. Suchas “Mobile Email,” in a display area which informs the user that ane-mail is to be written, and a write window area for writing an e-mail.In the meantime, the portable device can access a server for writing ane-mail. In this process the portable device can output a text “LaunchMobile Email Client” which indicates that an e-mail client applicationis being launched.

In addition, in case a user generates a QWERTY key input signal, when anapplication program for the transmission of “instant” message is set tobe automatically executed, the portable device can generate an instantmessage write window. The instant message write window can include anarea which outputs at least one name of a person who may transmit andreceive a message, and an output area which outputs an instant messagetransmitted and received with the person having a corresponding name,and a write window area in which an instant message to be transmittedmay be written.

For example, “AIM” and “Alex” that transmitted and received an instantmessage can be outputted respectively to an area which outputs a name.When “AIM” is selected among them, the message “Hey!”, “What's up?” thattransmitted and received with “Alex” can be outputted to an output area.

Here, “Hey!” can be an instant message that has been transmitted to“AIM”, and “What's up?” can be an instant message that has been receivedfrom “AIM”. A user can write a message to be transmitted to “AIM” in thewrite window area. After writing the message, in case a touch event isgenerated in a “send” area or an Enter key of a QWERTY key padcorresponding to confirmation is inputted, the portable devicecontroller can transmit the message written in the write window area to“AIM”. When “Alex” is selected in an area where names are outputted, theportable device displays a write window for transmitting an instantmessage to “Alex” and an output area for writing an instant message thatis to transmitted to Alex.

In the process of using instant message service, when one of the namespresented in the name area is deleted, or when a message is additionallyto be transmitted and received with another user, user can clean up thename area by using a “Manage Buddy” short key, or can search for otherpersons by searching phonebook information. The portable device cancontain a “More” key so as to support other menus.

FIG. 11 is an example of screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the portable device of the present invention canactivate a “Note” application program that is a text edit tool accordingto a user's selection. Accordingly, the portable device can control atext edit tool according to the activation of the “Note” applicationprogram, and can=output a specific note or note file stored in thestorage unit according to an input of the user to the text edit tool asshown in screen 241.

Next, the portable device can control selection of a corresponding textas shown in screen 243, when a user performs a dragging operation of anarea of text to select a part of the text, or press a specific point fora long time. In more detail, the portable device can control selectionof a text indicated in an area where a touch event is generated whiledragging occurs. Moreover, the portable device can automatically selectone sentence or paragraph including a specific point, in case ofpressing a specific point for a long time. And, as shown, the portabledevice can control the generation of a pop-up window that inquireswhether the selected text is copied around the selected area.

When a user selects copy item in the corresponding pop-up window, theportable device temporarily stores the selected text. In this process,when a QWERTY key input signal is received, the portable device canoutput the pop-up window. That is, a user generates a QWERTY key inputsignal after selecting a specific text area, the portable device canoutput a pop-up window that can select the copy to the neighborhood ofthe selected area. In addition, the controller can add an item forpasting to pop-up window

In case the previously selected text exists, and user selects a pasteoperation, the selected area can be replaced with a previously selectedtext. In case an additionally stored text does not exist, when a userselects the paste operation, the controller shows up pop-up windowinforming the user that stored text does not exist. An output alarmsound or a vibration alarm may also be outputted. The stored text can bestored in clip board which is separately prepared.

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the portable device of the present invention canoutput a graphic emoticon among message service functions in place ofspecial characters. To this end, the portable device activatesapplication program for supporting a message service function in case aQWERTY key input signal is generated. The portable device can outputcharacters inputted from the QWERTY key pad to a message write window asshown in screen 251. At this time, in case special character “:)” isinputted from QWERTY key pad like screen 252, the portable device checkswhether a graphic emotion mapped to the special characters is stored. Tothis end, the portable device can store a table that maps the specialcharacters to graphic emoticons in the storage unit. In case ofdetecting graphic emoticon mapped to the special character, the portabledevice can output a corresponding graphic emoticon “

” as shown in screen 253.

The portable device can support a graphic emoticon substitution functionfor a specific word. For example, in case the word “Sushi” is inputtedas shown in screen 255 in a state where normal characters are inputtedas shown in screen 254, the portable device can check whether a graphicemoticon corresponding to the term “Sushi” exists. To this end, theportable device can store a table that maps specific words to graphicemoticons in the storage unit. In case of detecting graphic emoticonmapped to the specific word from the storage unit, the portable devicecan output a corresponding graphic emoticon as shown in screen 256.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the portable device of the present invention canoutput a message write window as shown in screen 261 according to theactivation of message service function. The message write windowincludes an area to which a name of a person who is to receive a messageis inputted and an area where a message is to be written. A telephonenumber can be inputted to the area the message recipient name is to beoutputted. However, in case of telephone number is previously stored inphonebook, the name corresponding to a inputted telephone number, forexample, “Jane; Pay My Bill” can be displayed. The character ““Hey therehow are you” corresponding to the input from a QWERTY key pad can beoutputted to the area where a message is to be written.

In the meantime, the inputted word “Cathy” is previously stored inphonebook as shown in screen 262, the portable device can display acorresponding word differently with other words. To this end, theportable device can search whether a name mapped to a corresponding wordis stored, when characters inputted to a message write window forms aspecific word. In case of searched word, a corresponding word isunderline by the portable device, or a corresponding word is displayedto be larger or bolder than other words so that it can be indicated thatother information is included. The portable device can output a pop-upwindow which can select other information included in a correspondingword, as shown in screen 263, in case a cursor stays in the word “Cathy”for a predefined time.

For example, the pop-up window can include a phone number copy button(Copy number) which supports a copy operation of the telephone numberinto a phonebook included in the word, and a call button (Call) whichsupports to call operation based on the telephone number included in theword. In case the portable device user selects the call button (Call) onscreen 263, the portable device can attempt to call the phone numberincluded in the word as shown in screen 265. The portable device canoutput a screen corresponding to a call to the display unit so as toperform a call with “Cathy”. At this time, it is preferable that theportable device temporarily stores the written message write window. Theportable device can output the temporarily stored message write windowto the display unit.

In the meantime, in case a user generates touch event which selects aphone number copy button (Copy number) as shown in screen 263, theportable device can output the phone number included in the term “Cathy”to the message write area as shown in screen 267. At this time, theportable device can display a phone number as well as the inputted word“Cathy” to be distinguished from other words. That is, the portabledevice can support an effect, such as underlining, applied to the term“Cathy”, to the copied phone number. In case a cursor is positioned on acorresponding phone number, after phone number is outputted to messagewrite area, the portable device can output a pop-up window including thephone number copy button and the call button as shown in screen 268.

FIG. 14 is an example of a screen for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the portable device of the present invention caninclude a category-like screen as shown in screen 271 so as toconveniently select a menu for the usage of a message service. That is,the message service category of the present invention can include“Create message”, “Create Talk”, “Talk box”, “Inbox” and “Outbox”. The“Create message” is an item for opening a new message write window forwriting a message, and the “Create Talk” is an item for opening aninstant message write window for transmitting and receiving an instantmessage. The “Talk box” is a box for storing data generated according tothe transmission and reception of an instant message, and the “Inbox”and “Outbox” are boxes for storing the transmitted and received messagesfrom among short or multimedia messages transmitted and received basedon the message write window.

In case a user selects the “Create Talk” category, as an example, fromamong a plurality of categories as shown on screen 271, the portabledevice can output a search window that can search for a plurality ofusers who can transmit and receive instant message as shown in screen272.

This search window includes a search area for inputting a word and anarea which outputs data corresponding to a word inputted to the searcharea. In case an additional search word is not inputted, the area whichoutputs data can output lists of multiple entries that match theinputted work and can transmit and receive instant message in apredefined order, e.g., in alphabetical order. In case a touch eventthat selects one of the entries on the list (e.g., “Dan” as shown inscreen 272) a corresponding signal is generated. The portable device canoutput an instant message write window so as to transmit and receiveinstant messages with “Dan” as shown in screen 273. The instant messagewrite window can include an area which outputs a selected name and theterm “Dan (1-214-566-7815),” which is a telephone number informationcorresponding to the selected name, an input window for inputtingmessage, and a short key area which can select other menu.

Instead of generating a touch event selecting “Dan” as shown in screen272, in case a slide is opened in a portable device of a slide type, anda QWERTY key input signal that designates “Dan” is generated, theportable device can output the instant message write window as shown inscreen 273. The portable device user can input characters by using theQWERTY key pad as shown in screen 273, and can output the inputtedcharacter “Hi Dan, r u ready?” to the input window. In case a useractivates the “Send” key as shown in screen 273, the portable device cantransmit the inputted instant message to “Dan” at the indicatedtelephone number, while being able to control the transmission andreception message output window as shown in screen 274.

The transmission message output window can include an area where themessage inputted to the input window is written and an area whichoutputs the term “sent” indicating that the transmission of acorresponding message is completed or “sending” indicating that thecorresponding message is being transmitted. Next, when receiving instantmessage from “Dan”, the portable device controls the output of thereceived message to transmission and reception message output window asshown in screen 275. The portable device can output an icon informingthe user that the instant message has been received and sent to theindicator area.

In the meantime, the portable device can position the received instantmessage next to the transmitted instant message, during the process ofoutputting the received instant message to the transmission andreception message output window, and to output an index which informsthe user that a corresponding instant message is newly received, e.g.,“New”, on the same line with “hey˜what's up” which is a correspondinginstant message. The portable device user can write a new message “I gota new touch phone now!” as shown in screen 276 and can send this newmessage to “Dan”, after checking message received from “Dan”.

At this time, it is preferable that the portable device supports afunction that easily determines the progress of conversation in such amanner that the written instant message is outputted to the transmissionand reception message output window while the written instant message isset to be positioned next to the reception message. In case a newinstant message is written to be transmitted, the index “New” marked inthe previously received message can be deleted.

FIG. 15 is an example of screens for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the portable device of the present invention caninclude a category-like screen as shown in screen 271 so as toconveniently select a menu for the usage of a message service. Screen271 is set by a user or may be set as a default mode in such a mannerthat screen 271 is outputted when user generates a QWERTY key inputsignal in the state where a specific application program (e.g., standby)is activated. The message service category can include “Create message”,“Create Talk”, “Talk box”, “Inbox” and “Outbox”. In case user selects“Talk box” category among a plurality of categories from screen 281, theportable device can output screen including “Talk box” submenu as shownin screen 283.

Submenu screen can include an area which outputs index “Talk box” thatindicates the menu displayed by a current screen, and an area whichlists an indication that the instant message has been transmitted andreceived by name. Here, the portable device can control the item thattransmits and receives a current instant message to be displayed in sucha manner that an index is positioned in front of a corresponding list soas to be differentiated with other items.

In screen 283, if the portable device user generates a touch event thatselects a specific user to which a current instant message istransmitted and received, e.g., “Dan”, the portable device can output aninstant message screen which is being processed. The processed can bedetermined based on the maintenance or cancellation of a communicationchannel for the transmission and reception of the instant message. Inthe instant message screen which is being processed, other menu itemsincluding items for the support of instant messages, i.e. includes“Save, Minimize, Close” may be presented

In the meantime, if the item that completed the process is selected asshown in screen 283, the portable device outputs instant messagestransmitted and received with a person according to a corresponding itemlike screen as shown in screen 287. The portable device can includeother menu items, such as “Re-talk, Delete, More” or the like fordeleting and reconnecting the instant message.

FIG. 16 is an example of screens for illustrating another example ofsubmenu screen for “Talk box” of FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 16, as shown in screen 291, the submenu screen of“Talk box” includes an area which outputs index “Talk box” indicatingthe display of the current screen, and an area which outputs a list ofpersons who are transmitting and receiving instant messages withportable device user, or the list of persons who transmitted andreceived instant messages. The list output area can output a photo fileof users who transmitted and received instant message to the left sideof corresponding list, and can output the name of users and thetelephone number of users. The list output area can display a user whois transmitting and receiving instant message to be different from otherusers, e.g., to be displayed with a bold type.

Further, as shown in screen 293, the submenu screen of “Talk box” caninclude an area which outputs “Talk box” directing a current screen, andan icon output area which matches respective users who is transmittingand receiving instant message or transmitted and received instantmessage to a certain image. Each icon can include an image whichsignifies instant message service, and the name of a person in the iconoutput area. At this time, the portable device can output a part of aname when the length of the name is longer than the length of the icon.The portable device can control the screen image such that the personwho is transmitting and receiving instant message to have an image thatis distinguishable from other images. That is, in case “Dan” is a personwho is transmitting and receiving instant messages, the portable devicecan output the icon of “Dan” with an image which is distinguishable fromothers persons, e.g., with an image that the cover of letter is opened

The portable device can set the size of the icons depending on the timeof transmitting and receiving instant messages, and the amount (time,data bytes) of transmitted and received data. That is, the portabledevice can display the icon of a person who transmitted and receivedinstant messages, a person who transmitted and received many instantmessages, and a person who transmitted and received instant messageshaving large data, such as photo attachment, to be larger than an iconthat represents other people.

FIG. 17 is an example of screens for illustrating a message servicefunction according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the portable device of the present invention canoutput various image files in the form of multi-view like screens asshown in screen 311 according to the request of the activation of animage file search function by user. The image file outputted on thescreen 311 can be a photo, a picture or a video file. Meanwhile, a usercan designate a specific image in the multi-view screen file byinputting a direction key of the input unit or generating a touch eventon a touch screen. In this state, in case a user generates a QWERTY keyinput signal, the portable device can output a simple message writewindow like screen as shown in screen 313. The portable device canoutput the text “This is my picture” which is inputted according to theinput of the QWERTY keypad to the simple message write window.

In the screen 313, in case a hot key for the activation of a usermessage service “[MSG] hot key” is activated, the portable device canoutput a message write window for writing a message like screen as shownin screen 315. At this time, the portable device can note the image filedesignated in the screen 313 as an attachment file, and can output thisto a certain area of a message write window.

As described above, the portable device of the present inventionsupports the easy generation of a message write window when searching aplurality of image files with a multi-view type, and to be able to writea message based on image file designated in the multi-view screen.

FIG. 18 is an example of screens for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, as shown in screen 321, the portable device of thepresent invention can output a photograph with full screen according tothe activation of an image capture function using a photograph searchfunction. At this time, by using an image capture function, the portabledevice can apply a certain display, e.g., an image corresponding tofolding to a certain area of photograph so that user can select andcheck the rear side of photograph (see screen 323). In the meantime, theportable device can apply a corresponding text to a photograph to betransmitted and output, in case a user inputs text by using a QWERTY keypad. In more detail, user can select a folding image set in the edge ofphotograph outputted to the display unit, and, accordingly, can see therear side of photograph.

To this end, in case a user drags a part of an image in a certaindirection, e.g., in an oblique direction of upper portion, in the stateof pressing the folding image, the portable device can output a certainarea of rear side of the photograph. Thereafter, a user inputs characterbased on the QWERTY key pad, the portable device can provide an effectthat the inputted text “This is my picture” is written on the rear sideof the photograph. Then, the portable device can activate a messagewrite window as shown in screen 325, when a hot key for the activationof a message service. “[MSG] Hot key,” or a message transmission button“Send as MSG” is selected.

At this time, the portable device can apply the photograph which isbeing outputted as shown in screen 323 as an attachment file. Further,the portable device can automatically input the text “This is mypicture” written in the rear side of the photograph as shown in screen323, into the text write window.

FIG. 19 is an example of screens for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the portable device of the present invention canactivate a schedule application program according to the user's input.Thus, the portable device can output a scheduler screen including acalendar corresponding to a specific month as shown in screen 331. Atthis time, when a specific date is designated in the calendar, theportable device can output a schedule that is previously stored in acorresponding date to a certain area of a lower portion of the calendar.In the state where such a scheduler screen is outputted, when a usergenerates a QWERTY key pad input signal by using a corresponding QWERTYkey pad, the portable device can output a simple write window in whichtext can be inputted in a certain area of the display unit as shown inscreen 332. In addition, the portable device can output the combinationof characters “This is my schedule” inputted from a QWERTY key pad tothe simple write window. Here, the portable device can output the simplewrite window to the upper portion of an area where the schedule isoutputted.

In case a user depresses the “[MSG] hot key,” which is a hot key for theactivation of a message as shown in screen 332, the portable device cancontrol the schedule to include a designated date automatically in themessage writing. Further, the portable device can directly apply thesentence inputted in the screen 332 to the message write window. In themeantime, when the QWERTY key input signal is generated in the screen331, in case a separate schedule is not stored for the designated date,the portable device can output a schedule input window for the input ofschedule information. In summary, the portable device of the presentinvention can open a writing window for inputting additional sentences(and terms), in case QWERTY key input signal is generated in the statewhere a scheduled date is designated. The controller can also outputboth schedule information included in the corresponding date and a textinformation inputted in the write window to a message write window incase a key input for a message transmission is generated. Further, theportable device can present an input window for inputting scheduleinformation in case a QWERTY key input signal is generated in the statewhere no schedule is prepared at a designated date,

FIG. 20 is an example of screens for illustrating the message servicefunction according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the portable device of the present invention canoutput a main menu screen as shown in screen 341 according to a user'sinput. At this time, the portable device can provide a short key whichcan turn the “Bubble” function on and off. In case the “Bubble” functionis turned off, the portable device can display a corresponding short keywith gray color or the like to inform the user that the function isturned off. In the meantime, in case a QWERTY key input signal isgenerated in the state where the short key of the bubble function isturned on, the portable device can output a bubble window correspondingto the bubble function short key to one side of screen as shown inscreen 343.

At this time, the portable device can manage a main menu screen andbubble window which are being activated as respective layers on thedisplay. Accordingly, when a character is inputted from a QWERTY keypad, the portable device can display the inputted character to thebubble window, while displaying an activate menu function which ismatched to a corresponding area where a touch event may be generated inone side of the display unit.

In the meantime, after text “Hi, Jason” is inputted from a QWERTY keypad, in case a user generates a touch event selecting a specific menuamong main menu, e.g., “Messaging” menu corresponding to message servicefunction as shown in screen 345, the portable device can output a screenwhich activates a selected menu as shown in screen 347. At this time,the portable device can provide an effect that the bubble window whichis being activated moves to a corresponding menu according to the menuselection as shown in 345. Through this effect, text written in thebubble window is applied to a corresponding menu.

As a result, the portable device can automatically output text inputtedin the bubble window to the activated message write window as shown inscreen 347.

As described above, the portable device according to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention can provide an adaptive screeninterface according to an application program which is being activatedor an application program selected by a user in the generation of aQWERTY key input signal.

In the description of above described embodiments, QWERTY key inputsignal can be generated, in case the portable device is a slide typehaving an input unit that is exposed as it slides open, or in case a keyof QWERTY key pad prepared in the input unit is activated. Additionally,QWERTY key input signal can be generated, in case QWERTY key map isoutputted to a display unit and a touch event is generated on acorresponding key map, as portable device of a slide type performssliding operation or icons assigned to activate QWERTY key map isactivated.

The above-described methods according to the present invention can berealized in hardware or as software or computer code that can be storedin a recording medium such as a CD ROM, an RAM, a floppy disk, a harddisk, or a magneto-optical disk or downloaded over a network, so thatthe methods described herein can be executed by such software using ageneral purpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable ordedicated hardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood inthe art, the computer, the processor or the programmable hardwareinclude memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, etc. that may store orreceive software or computer code that when accessed and executed by thecomputer, processor or hardware implement the processing methodsdescribed herein. As would be recognized by those skilled in the art,when a general purpose computer is loaded with, or accesses, software orcode for implementing the processing shown herein, the general purposecomputer is transformed into a special purpose computer that may atleast perform the processing shown herein.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail hereinabove, it should be clearly understood thatmany variations and modifications of the basic inventive concepts hereintaught which may appear to those skilled in the present art will stillfall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined inthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a memory configured tostore at least one contact information item, or at least one graphicinformation item; and a controller operatively coupled to the memory,configured to: display, via a display operatively coupled with thecontroller, a message input window including text that is part of a textmessage that is being input; determine that at least one portion of thetext corresponds to the at least one contact information item or the atleast one graphic information item; and perform a function usingcorresponding information of the at least one contact information itemor the at least one graphic information item based at least in part onthe determining.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contactinformation item comprises a phone number, an email address, a name, orany combination thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thegraphic information item comprises an icon, a picture, a map, or anycombination thereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the functionincludes at least one of a call function, a display function, an emailfunction, a message function, and a share function.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: display thecorresponding information in relation with the text via the display. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:establish, as at least part of the function, a call using a phone numbercorresponding to the contact information item.
 7. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the controller is configured to: perform the function basedat least in part on a determination that a user input is received withrespect to at least one portion of the text via the display.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: display,via the display, a user interface to receive a selection of at least onemenu using at least some of the corresponding information.
 9. A methodfor use in an electronic device having a memory configured to store atleast one contact information item and at least one graphic informationitem, the method comprising: displaying, by the electronic device, amessage input window including text that is part of a text message thatis being input; determine that at least one portion of the textcorresponds to the at least one contact information item or the at leastone graphic information item; and performing a function usingcorresponding information of the at least one contact information itemor the at least one graphic information item based at least in part onthe determining.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the contactinformation item comprises a phone number, an email address, a name, orany combination thereof.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the graphicinformation item comprises meta data corresponding to an icon, apicture, a map, or any combination thereof.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the memory stores a phone book, further comprising retrievingthe corresponding information from the phone book.
 13. The method ofclaim 9, wherein performing the function comprises: performing a firstfunction if the corresponding information corresponds to the contactinformation item; and performing a second function if the correspondinginformation corresponds to the graphic information item.
 14. The methodof claim 9, wherein performing the function comprises: displaying thecorresponding information in relation with the text on a display. 15.The method of claim 9, wherein the function comprises at least one of acall function, a display function, an email function, a messagefunction, and a share function.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein thefunction is performed in response to a long press being performed on atleast one portion of the content text.
 17. An apparatus comprising: amemory configured to store at least one contact information item or atleast one graphic information item; and a controller operatively coupledto the memory, configured to: display, via a display operatively coupledto the controller a message input window including text that is part ofa text message that is being input; determine that at least one portionof the text corresponds to the at least one contact information item orthe at least one graphic information item; perform a first functionusing the at least one contact information item in response to determinethat the at least one portion of the text corresponds to the at leastone contact information item; and perform a second function using the atleast one graphic information item in response to determine that the atleast one portion of the text corresponds to the at least one graphicinformation item.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the firstfunction includes at least one of a call function or a schedulefunction.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second functionincludes displaying at least a portion of the graphic information item.20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to:present corresponding information of the contact information item or thegraphic information item in relation with at least one portion of thetext.